What is the best way to farm Freeze Glands in the Mountains?

Farming Freeze Glands in Valheim''s Mountains biome is essential for crafting Frost Arrows and Frost Resistance Mead, both of which are critical for surviving and thriving in the cold, dangerous environment. Freeze Glands are dropped by Drakes, flying creatures that inhabit the Mountains. To efficiently farm Freeze Glands, you need to prepare properly, understand the game mechanics, and follow a strategic approach.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-equipped for the Mountains biome. This means crafting Frost Resistance Mead or wearing Wolf Armor to resist the freezing effect. Frost Resistance Mead requires Honey, Thistle, Bloodbags, and Greydwarf Eyes, which can be gathered from the Meadows, Black Forest, and Swamp biomes. Alternatively, Wolf Armor provides permanent frost resistance but requires Silver, which is mined in the Mountains using a Wishbone obtained from Bonemass in the Swamp biome. Without frost resistance, your health will rapidly deplete, making exploration and combat nearly impossible.\n\nOnce prepared, head to the Mountains biome. Drakes are most commonly found near high-altitude areas, often circling above or perched on rocky outcrops. They are aggressive and will attack on sight, so always be ready for combat. Drakes deal frost damage, so having a strong shield like the Iron Buckler or better is recommended to block their attacks. A bow is also essential for ranged combat, as Drakes are fast and difficult to hit with melee weapons.\n\nTo maximize Freeze Gland drops, focus on hunting Drakes efficiently. Use a Finewood Bow or better, paired with Flinthead Arrows or higher-tier arrows, to deal significant damage. Aim for headshots to take them down quickly. Drakes typically drop 1-2 Freeze Glands per kill, so you’ll need to hunt multiple Drakes to gather a substantial amount. Drakes often spawn in groups, so be prepared to fight multiple enemies at once. If overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid their frost breath attacks.\n\nOne effective strategy is to build a small outpost near a Drake spawn point. This allows you to respawn and store loot without traveling far. Use a Workbench to repair your gear and a Portal to quickly return to your main base. Building a stake wall or other defensive structures can also help protect you from other Mountain threats like Wolves or Stone Golems while you focus on farming Drakes.\n\nAnother tip is to explore during the day. The Mountains biome is more dangerous at night, with increased enemy spawns and visibility issues due to snowstorms. Drakes are easier to spot and hunt during daylight hours. Additionally, bring plenty of food like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Carrot Soup to maintain high health and stamina during combat.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using Frost Arrows to farm Drakes more efficiently. Frost Arrows deal extra frost damage and slow enemies, making it easier to land follow-up shots. However, crafting Frost Arrows requires Freeze Glands, so this strategy is best used after you’ve already gathered some from initial hunts.\n\nIn summary, farming Freeze Glands in the Mountains biome requires preparation, strategy, and patience. Equip frost resistance gear, use a bow for ranged combat, and build a small outpost to streamline the process. Focus on hunting Drakes during the day and bring ample food to sustain yourself. With these tips, you’ll gather Freeze Glands efficiently and be well-prepared for the challenges of the Mountains biome.